Analysis of the opportunities and challenges for renewable energy market in the Western Balkan countries

Western Balkan (WB) countries have the highest energy intensities in Europe, i.e. much more energy is used for the production of a unit of work here than in any European country. Nonetheless, very little investment and priority are being given to the increase of the efficiency. On the other hand, the Western Balkan countries have a high potential for developing energy production from renewable energy sources (RES): water, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy. However, these potentials are not studied and exploited enough and the present situation for their utilization is not so good. Although energy is a critical foundation for economic growth and social progress of all the WB countries, there are many constraints for RES development in all of them (political, technological, financial, legislative, educational, etc.). Obviously, defining development strategies and new support measures is necessary since renewable energy sources can make an important contribution to the regional energy supply and security. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the renewable energy market (opportunities) in the Western Balkan region.